minus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to semi-formal; used across all registers from everyday speech to technical writing
Quick answer
What does “minus” mean?
used to indicate subtraction or the operation of taking away one quantity from another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
used to indicate subtraction or the operation of taking away one quantity from another; also meaning without something that was present before
A disadvantage, drawback, or negative feature; a temperature below zero; a negative electrical charge; used metaphorically to indicate something lacking or subtracted
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'minus' similarly in mathematical contexts. British English may be slightly more likely to use 'take away' in elementary education, while American English consistently uses 'minus'. The verb use ('I minused it') is informal in both but slightly more accepted in American colloquial speech.
Connotations
Identical connotations across varieties when referring to subtraction or negatives. In business contexts, both use 'the minuses' to refer to disadvantages.
Frequency
Approximately equal frequency in both varieties; both use the word extensively in mathematical, scientific, and metaphorical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “minus” in a Sentence
[number] minus [number][subject] minus [object]the pluses and minuseswith/without [something] minus [feature]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “minus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- If you minus the VAT, the price is actually reasonable.
- She quickly minused the discount in her head.
American English
- Just minus the shipping charges from the total.
- I minused the late penalty from my score.
adverb
British English
- The temperature dropped to five degrees minus.
- The car's value went minus after the accident.
American English
- It's ten minus with the wind.
- His approval rating is now minus.
adjective
British English
- We're expecting minus temperatures tonight.
- The account shows a minus balance.
American English
- The wind chill made it feel like minus twenty.
- He got a minus score on the first round.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to discuss disadvantages, drawbacks, or negative aspects of decisions, products, or strategies: 'The main minus of this approach is the cost.'
Academic
Primarily mathematical: subtraction operations, negative numbers; also in scientific contexts: temperatures below zero, electrical charges.
Everyday
Discussing temperatures, basic arithmetic, or informal evaluation: 'It's minus five outside.' 'The job has its pluses and minuses.'
Technical
Mathematics, physics, computing, engineering: precise subtraction, negative values, indicators of deficiency or removal.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minus”
- Confusing 'minus' with 'negative' in non-mathematical contexts (e.g., 'a minus reaction' instead of 'a negative reaction').
- Using 'minus' as conjunction ('Minus we finish early...') – incorrect.
- Overusing verb form in formal contexts ('He minused the costs' – too informal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but mainly in informal or spoken contexts. In formal writing, 'subtract' is preferred. Example: 'Minus the shipping costs from the total.'
In mathematics, they're often interchangeable for numbers less than zero. However, 'negative' is broader for non-numerical contexts (negative attitude). 'Minus' specifically indicates subtraction or absence.
Both British and American English pronounce it /ˈmaɪ.nəs/ (MY-nuhs). Stress is on the first syllable.
In most contexts, yes – it indicates a disadvantage or drawback. However, in mathematics or science, it's neutral, simply indicating a negative value or subtraction operation.
used to indicate subtraction or the operation of taking away one quantity from another.
Minus is usually neutral to semi-formal; used across all registers from everyday speech to technical writing in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the minus side”
- “pluses and minuses”
- “a big minus”
- “minus points”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MINUS as MINI-USE: when you subtract, you use MINI-mally (reduce the amount). The 'minus' sign (−) looks like a tiny dash taking something away.
Conceptual Metaphor
LESS IS DOWN (negative numbers go down from zero); SUBTRACTION IS REMOVAL; DISADVANTAGES ARE NEGATIVE QUANTITIES
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'minus' correctly as a noun?